CEDAR PARK, Texas — With 10 rookie skaters on the roster, the Rockford IceHogs are going to have to get some contribution from first year players if they are going to be successful.

They did just that Sunday, led again by Kent Simpson, who made 41 saves in a 4-3 win over the Texas Stars at Cedar Park Center. Simpson made 90 saves in Rockford’s two contests to open the season.

The Stars struck first as Travis Morin continued his hot opening weekend. The center picked up a Colton Sceviour pass and fired his third goal of the season over the shoulder of Simpson at 6:32.

Later in the frame, a power-play goal extended the Stars’ advantage to 2-0. Travis Morin, who had four points Saturday, set up Curtis McKenzie in front of the Hogs’ goal and the winger flipped his first tally of the season past Simpson.

Rockford, however, countered with the next two goals. Jeremy Morin ripped his first of the season over the blocker shoulder of Cristopher Nilstorp at 11:33 in a transition rush with help from Byron Froese.

The IceHogs tied the score at 2-2 on their first power-play chance of the night. Adam Clendening’s point shot banked off the inside of the post and in at 14:47, assisted by Brad Mills and Brandon Pirri.

In the second period, Klas Dahlbeck gave Rockford its first lead of the season. Dahlbeck beat Nilstorp with a slapshot at 10:12 with assists from Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault.

Mike Hedden came back to tie it for Texas at 11:22. Hedden was able to poke in a loose puck in a scrum in front of Simpson for his first goal on the season.

But McNeill put the IceHogs back on top for good with his first professional goal. The rookie winger forced a turnover inside the Texas blue line and scored at 18:24, giving Rockford a 4-3 advantage.